iZotope Iris 2 Sample Synthesizer

Part sampler, part modular, with a focus on creativity and unheard synthesis.


What it is:
A sample-based synthesizer aided by iZotope's classic filter algorithms.

How we use it:
Choose from iZotope's library of classic synth patches or layer up to four of your own samples and create the next iconic synth sound.  

Why it's cool:
Building a playable synth with your own samples is a seamless process - creation was clearly not an afterthought during the development of Iris 2. From iZotope:

The World is Your Instrument

Create and discover musical sounds that have never been heard before. An inspiring sample-based synthesizer, Iris 2 is immediately playable—combining the power of a sampler, the flexibility of a modular synth, and the fun of spectral filtering.

Get started fast by selecting from hundreds of expertly crafted Bass, Keys, Leads, Pads, and Rhythmic patches. Then customize or build your own patches with an 11 GB factory library of intriguing audio samples, a modern modulation system, classic filters, evocative effects, and more. Explore a new world of musical possibilities with Iris 2.

Key Features

• Explore a world of sound: Load one of hundreds of fresh and inspiring patches, and easily experiment with the most relevant parameters via Macro controls.
• Build your own synth: Invent sounds that are completely your own by layering up to four different samples from a built-in collection of analog oscillator waveforms, an 11 GB sample library, or your own personal audio files.
• Design your own filters: Get the best-sounding and most unique filters by drawing, selecting, and isolating sonic components from each sample layer using iZotope's award-winning spectral filtering technology.
• Shape your own sound: Develop expressive, dynamic, and evolving musical sounds with the powerful and flexible new modulation system. Access every control from one window, or reveal only what you need with a dynamic new user interface.

An Epic Library of Patches and Sounds
Expand your sound palette with hundreds of exclusive musical patches from world-class sound designers and 11 GB of audio samples. Get inspired by the sounds, then explore new sonic territory. It’s easy to create or discover something totally new, just by tweaking a few controls.

Iris 2’s deep collection of patches will inspire you to create never-before-heard compositions and intricate, evolving soundscapes. Patch categories include Bass, Keys, Leads, Pads, and Rhythmic. Audio sample categories include Abstract, Environments, Instruments, Objects, Synthesizers, Toys, and Voice.

Compatibility

Iris 2 runs as a plug-in or as a standalone application.

Operating system requirements:

• Windows: 7, 8, 10
• Mac: OS X 10.7–10.11 (Intel only)

Plug-in formats:

32/64 bit Audio Units, VST, VST3, AAX, and RTAS

Plug-in host compatibility:

Ableton Live 8 and 9, Logic Pro X, Pro Tools, Cubase, Nuendo, FL Studio, Bitwig, and many more. 

Installing the full Iris 2 Sound Library:

The Trial version includes only 45 patches and a small sampling of the epic library of great-sounding content. The remaining patches and 11 GB of samples are available to you after you purchase Iris 2. To access the full Iris 2 Sound Library after purchase:

• First, use your unique serial number to authorize your installation of Iris 2.
• Then log into your iZotope account, where you'll now have access to the Iris 2 Sound Library downloads.
• Download the installers from your account and install them on your computer.

Installation Instructions
General Instructions:

• We auto-detect your computer operating system, so just click the download button above.
• Find the downloaded plugin (it's in your computer's download folder, or wherever you've chosen to save it) and double click the installer.
• A plugin installer window will open. Simply go through the installation process.
• We will also send you an email with a link to re-download in case you need it.

How to use installed plugins in Ableton Live: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2VjFjUhlR4

1. If Ableton Live is closed, open it and skip to #5.
2. If Ableton Live is already open, go to Preferences.
3. Go to Files & Folder.
4. Click "Rescan plugins".
5. Find the plugin in the Ableton plugins folder in the sidebar.
6. Drag-and-drop the plugin onto your track at the bottom of the screen.

How to use installed plugins in Logic Pro X: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_dhy1wSIdI

1. Open Logic Pro X. Newly installed plugins should be detected automatically every time Logic is opened.
2. If you've downloaded an effect or utility plugin, these can be used on an insert for any track in the mixer.
3. Create a software instrument track if you downloaded a virtual instrument plugin.
4. Under Default Patch, go to AU Instruments and choose the plugin you just installed.

How to use installed plugins in Avid Pro Tools: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pm5QZ48MtuA

1. Open Pro Tools. Newly installed plugins should be detected automatically every time Pro Tools is opened.
2. If you've downloaded an effect or utility plugin, these can be used on an insert for many types of tracks (Audio, Aux, Instrument, Master Fader...)
3. If you’ve downloaded a software instrument, create a new Instrument track.
4. Navigate to the Mixer and locate the newly created Instrument track.
5. Select the desired instrument plugin by clicking on any of the Inserts on the Instrument track.

How to Install plugins to Garage Band: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_NmmTYMNhQ

1. Go to the Reverb SYNC Software and plugin Collection.
2. Choose your desired plugin.
3. Reverb will auto-detect your platform, so simply click the download button.
4. Continue the installation process by following the prompt.
5. Hover your mouse over the smart control button.
6. Click Show Inspector icon.
7. Click on plugins and choose your desired plugin.